The Long Trail is America's oldest long-distance hiking trail, a 272-mile footpath running the length of Vermont's Green Mountains from the Massachusetts border to Canada. Established in 1910 by the Green Mountain Club, it is widely regarded as one of the most rugged distance trails in the country; thru-hikers often describe it as "the Appalachian Trail but harder." The southern 100 miles coincide with the AT before splitting at Maine Junction near Killington, after which the trail becomes notably more remote and technical.
With approximately 68,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain (equivalent to climbing Everest 2.5 times from sea level), the Long Trail is relentless: steep climbs, rocky descents, pervasive mud, and root-choked treadway. Switchbacks are rare. The trail goes straight up and over Vermont's highest peaks, including Mount Mansfield (4,396 feet) and Camel's Hump. It suits experienced backpackers who want wilderness solitude, physical challenge, and a historic American hiking route. First-time backpackers should gain experience elsewhere before attempting it.
No permit is required to hike the Long Trail, which keeps trip planning simple. As of 2023, the Green Mountain Club eliminated fees at caretaker-staffed sites, so there is no cost to stay at any of the 70 backcountry campsites along the trail. All sites operate first-come, first-served with a requested two-night maximum stay.
Mandatory food storage requirements apply in the Green Mountain National Forest. You must store food in bear-proof containers: installed bear boxes (available at 9 shelters including Stratton Pond, Goddard, and Montclair Glen Lodge), portable bear canisters, Ursacks, or proper bear hangs (12 feet high, 6 feet from the tree trunk). The Green Mountain Club runs a free bear canister lending program on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact them at (802) 244-7037 or [email protected] to coordinate pickup at 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, VT.
Primitive camping is allowed on state forest land if your site is 100 feet from water sources, 200 feet from trails or property lines, 1,000 feet from roads, and below 2,500 feet elevation. Small wood fires are permitted in the Green Mountain National Forest when following Leave No Trace principles, though fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
Late summer and early fall (late August through September) bring the best conditions: cooler temperatures, fall foliage, fewer bugs, and less competition for shelters. Most thru-hikers complete the trail between mid-July and mid-September, though the official season runs late June through early October.
Avoid mud season (April through late May), when trails are officially closed in certain locations because boot traffic causes severe trail damage. The trail turns into a muddy morass during this period.
June and July bring black fly season. Vermont's biting insects are notorious and can make hiking miserable. Head nets and permethrin-treated clothing are essential if you hike during this window.
Early June may still have snow on the ridgelines; carry microspikes if starting before mid-June. Snow appears at higher elevations as early as October and can persist through mid-June. Winter thru-hiking is rarely attempted and seldom successful given the deep snow, extreme cold, and dangerous conditions.
September is arguably the sweet spot: fall colors emerge, bugs disappear, water sources remain reliable from summer rains, and temperatures suit the hard climbs. Days shorten significantly, though, so plan for fewer hiking hours.
Water is abundant along the Long Trail, one of its significant advantages. Reliable sources appear roughly every 5-10 miles, and all overnight sites sit near water. A 2-liter capacity is adequate for most hikers. Treat all water; Vermont's mountain streams look pristine, but Giardia and Cryptosporidium are present.
Some streams are non-perennial and may dry up by late summer in drought years, but this is uncommon. Even after hot summers, you will rarely carry water more than 10 miles between sources. Pre-filter sediment from streams to keep treatment working well.
Resupply is straightforward, with well-stocked towns every 4-6 days of hiking. The Long Trail is easier to resupply than most long trails; you should not need to carry more than 5 days of food at a time. Mail drops are unnecessary unless you have strict dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies) or prefer specific brands.
Key resupply towns from south to north:
Hitchhiking is generally reliable on Vermont's rural highways. The Inn at the Long Trail accepts mail drops via UPS (not USPS), and many businesses are hiker-friendly and will hold packages.
Terrain difficulty defines the Long Trail. The rocky, rooted, muddy tread is hard on feet and knees, and granite slabs turn treacherously slick when wet, which is often. The most dramatic elevation changes come north of Lincoln Gap, so the northern sections are significantly more technical than the southern portions. Average pace is 9-13 miles per day, much slower than on other long trails, because of the constant elevation change and rough tread.
Mud is omnipresent, especially during and after rain. New England weather dumps prolonged rain on the trail, creating sections of ankle-deep muck. Waterproof boots matter less than accepting your feet will be wet. Bring gaiters and extra socks.
River crossings are typically straightforward, with bridges or mild flows, but during heavy rain or spring snowmelt they can become dangerous. The Lamoille River north of Route 15 has a high-water channel that floods during storms. If water is flowing faster than walking pace, is deeper than mid-thigh, or carries debris, wait it out or detour. Never cross a swollen stream.
Black bears are present but typically avoid humans. An estimated 4,500-6,000 black bears live in Vermont's Green Mountains. They are shy and elusive but have learned to associate hikers with food at popular shelters. Use bear boxes where installed or carry a canister. Do not run from a bear; back away calmly and make sure it has an escape route.
Weather volatility: Vermont's mountains generate rapid weather changes, and exposed ridgelines like Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump are dangerous during thunderstorms. Descend immediately if a storm approaches. Rain is practically guaranteed at some point on a thru-hike, so protect your sleeping bag and dry clothes in waterproof stuff sacks.
Navigation is generally straightforward, with well-maintained white blazes on trees and rocks. Blue blazes mark side trails to shelters, and cairns mark the route above treeline. Signs stand at most trail junctions, but carry maps as backup. In winter, white blazes can disappear against snow; GPS is recommended for winter attempts.
Southern Terminus (Massachusetts/Vermont border): Best accessed from Williamstown, Massachusetts or North Adams, Massachusetts. Both towns have bus connections from Albany, NY and other regional hubs. The AT in Massachusetts connects to the Long Trail at the border via Route 2 or the Pine Cobble Trail from Williamstown. Parking is available at the Route 2 trailhead east of North Adams near the Hairpin Turn.
Northern Terminus (Canada/Vermont border): Located at the border monument in Jay, Vermont, accessed via Journey's End Road near North Troy. No public transportation serves this remote area. Parking options include:
Shuttles: Public transportation is virtually nonexistent in rural Vermont, so arrange private shuttles weeks in advance. Recommended services:
Nearest major airports: Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the closest, about 1.5 hours from the northern trailheads and 2 hours from southern access. Albany International Airport (ALB) is closer to the southern terminus.
Bring a tent rather than relying on shelters. During peak season (July-September), shelters fill early, especially on weekends, and the three-sided lean-tos give minimal protection from driving rain. A freestanding tent handles mud and uneven terrain better than a trekking pole shelter.
Trekking poles are essential for the constant rocky descents. They significantly reduce knee strain on steep downhills and help with stream crossings.
Start northbound (NOBO) if possible. The southern 100 miles on the AT/LT provide gentler terrain to build trail legs before the rugged northern sections. Southbound (SOBO) hikers hit the hardest terrain first, while still adjusting to pack weight and trail life.
Resupply strategy: Most thru-hikers skip mail drops and buy food in towns. Vermont grocery stores stock adequate backpacking staples, and towns are spaced closely enough that you can adjust your food plan on the fly based on appetite and pace.
Waterproofing is critical: Pack electronics, sleeping bag, and clothing in waterproof stuff sacks or a trash compactor bag liner. Rain jackets and pants are mandatory. The "Vermont drizzle" can last for days.
Fire towers have the best views: Climb Stratton Mountain Fire Tower (mile 44.5) and Belvidere Fire Tower (0.2 miles off trail). These historic structures provide 360-degree views across Vermont into New York, New Hampshire, and Canada.
Consider summit warming huts as emergency shelters: Stark's Nest, Castlerock, Bromley, and Madonna huts are open to hikers. Open ski slopes make good low-impact campsites but lack reliable water sources.
End-to-ender recognition: Complete the trail and apply for official End-to-Ender recognition from the Green Mountain Club, which has kept records of Long Trail completions for decades.
Join the Green Mountain Club to support trail maintenance. Their volunteer crews maintain the 272 miles and 70 campsites that make the trail experience possible. Membership also provides discounts at their visitor center and access to programs.
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